Walmart takes Macy's place in Downtown Honolulu

New Honolulu store to open in 2014

UPDATED 4:33 PM HST Apr 05, 2013

HONOLULU -

Walmart announced Friday plans to open an 80,000 square foot retail store in the former department store location on King Street between Fort Street Mall and Bethel Street in downtown Honolulu’s central business district.

“We’re pleased to continue the retailing tradition at this prime business location in Honolulu’s downtown urban core,” said Rey Armijo, Hawaii Market Manager for Walmart. “We also look forward to serving the downtown community’s businesses, residents and tourists and helping save them money so they can live better.”

Walmart will begin a complete interior remodeling of the two-story building in the next several months and anticipates opening the new store in 2014.

The building’s parking garage will continue to operate during the store construction and will receive resurfacing and lighting improvements.

The company purchased the commercial building and parking structure.

The new Honolulu store is expected to employ approximately 150 associates. Full- and part-time positions will be available in areas throughout the store, including sales, customer service, pharmacy, and inventory management.

As of January 31, 2013, the average wage for regular, full-time hourly associates in Walmart stores in Hawaii is $14.70. Walmart offers eligible hourly store associates quarterly cash bonus opportunities, a 401k plan with a company match, a 10 percent discount on merchandise, and a chance to move up through the ranks.

Approximately 75 percent of Walmart store management teams began their careers in hourly positions.

The renovated two-level retail building will have new escalators, elevators, and cart movers to provide easier shopping access to both retail levels. An ADA accessible entrance will be added to the building's Fort Street Mall side.

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